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Health & Medicine

Mutation linked to sinus infections

People who have frequent sinus infections are more likely on average to carry one copy of the same genetic mutation that causes cystic fibrosis, even though they don't have that disease.

Health & Medicine

Colonoscopy screening would avert cancer

Increased use of colonoscopy could significantly reduce the number of colon cancer deaths and wouldn't cost much more overall than other tests.

Tech

Pile-o’-polymers breaks up on command

Stacks of polymers designed to break apart in acid solution or at a certain voltage may prove useful for releasing drugs, pesticides, or other compounds where and when needed.

Tech

Pores of glass skin shrink from light

Ultraviolet light can fine-tune the properties of intricately structured, porous films of glass that, among other uses, may make possible the long-sought direct extraction of oxygen and nitrogen gases from air.

Computing

Calculating Swarms

Ant teamwork suggests models for computing faster and organizing better.

Chemistry

Detailed yellow-bud research blossoms

In identifying the chemical responsible for the color of many yellow flowers, scientists have moved one step closer to engineering sunny-colored designer buds.

Health & Medicine

Vitamin E targets dangerous inflammation

Megadoses of vitamin E may reduce the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes and other conditions that produce chronic, low-grade inflammation.

Health & Medicine

New test may spot colon cancer early

An experimental test for colon cancer may detect the disease at a treatable stage more accurately than current, noninvasive screening techniques.

Health & Medicine

Malaria vaccine waylays parasite in liver

A new malaria vaccine tested in chimpanzees spurs an immune response against the parasite as it passes through the liver, halting it in most cases before it can get into the bloodstream and cause symptoms of the disease.

Humans

Science gets a start on the space station

Although the space station's main laboratories have yet to be launched, scientists are already using nooks and crannies in the existing structure to conduct experiments in biotechnology and physics.